Most babies start teething around six months of age, although the first tooth can appear anywhere from about three to twelve months. Teething can cause drooling, chewing on objects, gum swelling, and fussiness, and you can soothe it with a clean chilled teething ring, gentle gum massage, and extra cuddles. Teething is completely normal and temporary, but high fever, diarrhea, or a rash are not caused by teething and should be checked by a doctor. Planning your baby’s first visit with a kids dentistry team by the first birthday sets the stage for a healthy smile.
For new parents, teething can feel like a long, sleepless stretch filled with questions. Is this pain normal? Which remedies are safe? When should I worry? These concerns are shared by nearly every family. Having a friendly dental clinic in Woodbridge to turn to for guidance can make the early years much less stressful.
If your baby or toddler falls and injures a tooth or gum while learning to walk, an emergency dentist can check for damage quickly.
As children grow, regular visits at Peridot Dental Care also allow the team to monitor how teeth and jaws develop, and an orthodontist can advise on bite concerns later on. Below, you will find a teething timeline, symptoms, safe remedies, what to avoid, and how to care for your baby’s first teeth.
What Is Teething?
Teething is the process of baby (primary) teeth breaking through the gums. Babies are born with 20 primary teeth already forming inside the jaw. As each tooth moves upward, it presses on the gum tissue, which can cause tenderness and irritation.
Baby Teeth Eruption Timeline
- 6 to 10 months: Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth)
- 8 to 12 months: Upper central incisors
- 9 to 16 months: Upper and lower lateral incisors
- 13 to 19 months: First molars
- 16 to 23 months: Canines
- 23 to 33 months: Second molars
By around age three, most children have all 20 baby teeth. Every child is different, and some variation is normal.
Common Teething Symptoms
- Increased drooling
- Chewing or biting on toys, fingers, or objects
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Irritability and fussiness
- Changes in sleep
- Rubbing cheeks or pulling ears
- Mild increase in temperature, but not a high fever
Teething Myths vs Facts: Comparison Summary
- Myth: Teething causes high fever. Fact: Teething may cause a slight temperature rise, but a true fever suggests illness.
- Myth: Teething causes diarrhea. Fact: Diarrhea is not caused by teething and should be discussed with a doctor if persistent.
- Myth: Amber teething necklaces help. Fact: They are not proven to work and pose choking and strangulation risks.
- Myth: Numbing gels are the best remedy. Fact: Health authorities advise against benzocaine products for young children.
How to Soothe a Teething Baby: Step by Step
- Offer a chilled teething ring: Refrigerated, not frozen, to avoid injuring gums.
- Massage the gums: Use a clean finger or damp washcloth to rub gently.
- Provide safe chewing options: Firm rubber teething toys designed for babies.
- Wipe drool often: Prevents skin irritation and rashes.
- Offer cool foods: For babies eating solids, chilled purées or yogurt can soothe.
- Extra comfort: Cuddles, rocking, and routine help babies cope.
- Ask about pain relief: Consult your doctor or pharmacist about appropriate infant pain medication and dosing.
What to Avoid
- Teething necklaces, bracelets, or anklets
- Benzocaine or lidocaine numbing gels for infants
- Homeopathic teething tablets
- Frozen teething rings, which can be too hard
- Rubbing alcohol or other home remedies on gums
- Hard foods that could cause choking
Caring for Your Baby’s First Teeth
- Wipe gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings, even before teeth appear.
- Once the first tooth erupts, brush twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, or juice.
- Offer water between meals once your baby is old enough.
- Avoid sharing spoons or cleaning pacifiers with your mouth.
- Schedule a first dental visit by the first birthday.
What Happens at Your Baby’s First Dental Visit: Step by Step
- Welcome: A short, relaxed visit focused on comfort.
- Knee-to-knee exam: Your baby lies on your lap while the dentist checks teeth and gums.
- Cavity risk review: Discussion of feeding, bottles, and home care.
- Fluoride varnish if appropriate: Quick and painless.
- Parent coaching: Brushing techniques and teething tips.
Common Myths About Children’s Dentistry
Myth: Baby teeth do not need care because they fall out.
Fact: Baby teeth help children eat, speak, and guide adult teeth into position.
Myth: The first dental visit should wait until age three.
Fact: Early visits help prevent problems and build comfort with the dentist.
Myth: Dental sedation is common for toddlers.
Fact: Most young children need no sedation. It is used only when truly necessary and with strict safety measures.
Real Family Scenarios
Scenario 1: A seven-month-old drools and chews everything. A chilled teething ring and gum massage help her sleep better during the week her first tooth appears.
Scenario 2: A baby develops a fever of 39 degrees Celsius. The parents assume it is teething, but the doctor diagnoses an ear infection.
Scenario 3: A one-year-old’s first dental visit reveals early white spots from bedtime bottles. Changing routines and fluoride varnish reverse the early damage.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
- Blaming fever or illness on teething.
- Using teething necklaces or numbing gels.
- Delaying brushing until all teeth are in.
- Putting babies to bed with bottles.
- Waiting until age three for the first dental visit.
Safety Disclaimer
Contact your doctor if your baby has a fever above 38 degrees Celsius, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, a rash, or seems very unwell. Always follow a healthcare provider’s guidance on infant medication. Children’s dental care should be provided by licensed professionals registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). This article is general information only.
Choosing a Family and Pediatric Dentist in Woodbridge
Peridot Dental Care is one of the best dental clinics in Woodbridge, holding a 4.9 Google rating from 165+ patient reviews, and is especially well regarded for pediatric dentistry and orthodontic solutions including Invisalign and braces. The team makes first visits gentle, fun, and informative for both babies and parents.
New patients and CDCP patients are welcome. The clinic offers special promotions for kids, promotions for implant and braces consultations, and senior discounts of 20% off for patients 65 and older. Evening and weekend appointments suit busy families. Call +1 647-313-4164, email info@peridotdentalcare.com, or visit 6175 Highway 7 West, Unit 7, Woodbridge, Ontario to book with a caring kids dentist in Woodbridge.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces: Planning Ahead
It may seem early to think about orthodontics, but healthy baby teeth help guide adult teeth into place. Later, if alignment problems develop, families can choose between Invisalign clear aligners, which are removable and nearly invisible and suit responsible teens and adults, and traditional braces, which are fixed, work continuously, and handle complex corrections well. An orthodontic check around age seven helps decide whether early treatment could simplify future care.
Teething and Sleep: Getting Through the Nights
Teething discomfort can feel worse at night when there are fewer distractions. Babies may wake more often, have trouble settling, or want extra feeding for comfort. Keeping bedtime routines consistent helps. Offer a chilled teething ring before bed, gently massage the gums, and use calming activities such as a warm bath and quiet songs. If your baby wakes, soothe them with cuddles rather than introducing new habits like bottles in bed, which can raise cavity risk. If sleep disruptions last more than a few days or your baby seems unwell, check with your doctor to rule out ear infections or other illness.
Teething and Feeding
Some babies feed less while teething because sucking can put pressure on sore gums. Others want to nurse or bottle-feed more for comfort. Offering smaller, more frequent feeds and cool, soft foods for babies on solids can help. Keep an eye on wet diapers to make sure your baby stays well hydrated. If feeding drops significantly or your baby seems dehydrated, contact your healthcare provider.
When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
Baby teeth usually begin falling out around age six, starting with the lower front teeth, and the process continues until about age 12. The order often mirrors the order they came in. Keeping baby teeth healthy until they fall out naturally helps guide permanent teeth into the correct position and prevents crowding or spacing problems.
Signs Your Baby or Toddler Needs a Dental Visit
- White, brown, or dark spots on teeth
- A tooth that looks chipped, cracked, or discoloured after a fall
- Swelling or a bump on the gums
- No teeth by 18 months
- Persistent bad breath
- Pain when eating or drinking
Early visits catch problems while they are small and easy to treat, and they help children feel comfortable with dental care from the start.
Types of Dental Care Your Child May Need as They Grow
- Preventive care: Checkups, cleanings, fluoride varnish, and sealants to prevent cavities.
- Restorative care: Tooth-coloured fillings or crowns for baby teeth with decay.
- Orthodontic care: Early appliances, braces, or Invisalign for bite and alignment problems.
- Emergency care: Treatment for chipped, knocked-out, or painful teeth.
- Surgical care: Occasional extractions of baby teeth that do not fall out on their own.
Having all of these services in one family-friendly clinic makes it easier to keep care consistent as your child grows.
How to Choose the Right Dental Clinic in Woodbridge for Your Baby
Look for a clinic with a welcoming, child-friendly atmosphere, a team experienced in treating babies and toddlers, flexible hours for busy parents, and clear communication. Reading reviews from local families can also help. A clinic that offers pediatric, orthodontic, and family dentistry together allows siblings and parents to be seen in one place, which makes appointments easier to manage.
Teething Tips for Older Toddlers
Molars that erupt between one and three years of age can be more uncomfortable because they are larger. Offer cool, soft foods, chilled teething toys suitable for toddlers, and plenty of comfort. Continue brushing twice daily, even if gums are tender, using gentle strokes and a soft brush.
Healthy Habits to Start Early
The habits you build during the teething years shape your child’s oral health for life. Brushing together, making dental visits a normal part of the calendar, choosing water as the main drink between meals, and limiting sweets to mealtimes all help. Letting toddlers practise brushing, then finishing the job yourself, teaches independence while making sure teeth are cleaned properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does teething last for each tooth?
Symptoms usually appear a few days before a tooth erupts and ease once it breaks through.
Can teething cause a runny nose?
Teething does not cause colds, though extra drooling can look like a runny nose.
Should I brush my baby’s first tooth?
Yes. Brush twice daily with a rice-grain smear of fluoride toothpaste.
When should my baby see a dentist?
By the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth.
Is it normal for teeth to come in late?
Some babies get their first tooth after 12 months. If none appear by 18 months, ask your dentist.
Conclusion
Most babies begin teething around six months, with drooling, chewing, and fussiness being normal.
Chilled teething rings, gum massage, and comfort are safe ways to soothe discomfort.
High fever or illness is not teething, and a first dental visit by age one supports a healthy start.
